Conseil National des Français Musulmans (CNFM)
Etymology and Translations
Etymology: The name is French, translating to “National Council of French Muslims.”
Arabic: المجلس الوطني للمسلمين الفرنسيين (Al-Majlis Al-Watani Lilmuslimin Al-Faransiyin)
Turkish: Fransız Müslümanları Ulusal Konseyi
History
The Conseil National des Français Musulmans (CNFM) was established in 1989 and underwent reformation in 1992 to better address the evolving needs of the Muslim community in France. As of 2001, it comprised 190 associations with a collective membership of approximately 14,000 individuals. The CNFM’s headquarters is located in Dole, France.
Mission and Functions
The CNFM acts primarily as a lobbying organization. Its mission focuses on combating social and economic discrimination against Muslims living in France, and it advocates for their full integration into French society. The council performs several crucial functions:
Support Services
- Housing: Provides assistance in securing affordable and adequate housing for Muslims.
- Education: Facilitates access to education at all levels for Muslim children and young adults.
- Welfare: Offers support in navigating welfare systems to ensure that Muslims receive the benefits to which they are entitled.
Advocacy and Anti-discrimination
- Combating Xenophobia, Racism, and Anti-Semitism: The CNFM actively works against all forms of discrimination, not limited to anti-Muslim sentiment but also including xenophobia, racism, and anti-Semitism.
- Striving for Equal Recognition: The council seeks governmental recognition of French Islamic institutions at par with Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish institutions. This includes advocating for the appointment of Muslim imams as army chaplains and the designation of specific burial areas for Muslims in cemeteries.
Goals and Achievements
The CNFM’s broader goals include promoting a sense of belonging among Muslims in France, fostering interfaith harmony, and contributing to the socio-economic development of the Muslim population.
Relevant Literature and Further Studies
For comprehensive understanding and further exploration of related topics, consider the following books:
- “Muslims in Western Europe” by Jørgen S. Nielsen.
- “Islam in France: The Shaping of a Religious Minority” by Jonathan Laurence and Justin Vaïsse.
- “Muslim Minorities in the West: Visible and Invisible” edited by Yvonne Yazbeck Haddad and Jane I. Smith.
- “Islam in France” by John Richard Bowen.
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Conseil National des Français Musulmans plays a vital role in advocating for the rights and integration of Muslims in French society. Through its diverse activities ranging from providing social services to combating discrimination and advocating for parity in religious recognition, the CNFM aims to enhance the quality of life for Muslims in France and ensure their equal stature alongside other religious communities.
Understanding the mission and activities of the CNFM provides valuable insights into the dynamics of Islam in modern Europe, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities faced by Muslim communities in pursuing social justice and equality.
